Sensitive components from an Australian F-35 Lightning II reportedly ended up in Chinese possession after a commercial shipment was diverted to Hong Kong while traveling to the United States for maintenance. The shipment, carried by UPS for Lockheed Martin, reportedly contained a cockpit canopy and weapons-bay door removed from an Australian Defence Force F-35. The package made an unexpected stop in South Korea before being redirected to Hong Kong, where Chinese authorities took possession of the components. US officials reportedly said the parts carried classified radar-absorbing coatings. The incident has prompted congressional scrutiny, with at least two US committees reportedly examining how advanced military components were transported through commercial freight routes. The Pentagon said it was working with US authorities and industry partners to recover the items, determine how the diversion occurred, and establish additional safeguards. Lockheed Martin described the components as unserviceable and assessed them as low risk for exploitation. However, analysts cited in media reports have raised concerns regarding the potential sensitivity of stealth-related materials. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles confirmed that Canberra was examining its side of the logistics chain and said Lockheed Martin manages international transportation under US-mandated arrangements. The incident has also emerged amid wider US discussions about security risks associated with international F-35 sales.
